Is this the best food shop in the world?

HIDDEN GEMS:FORTNUM & MASON is probably the world's most beautiful department store, and it's certainly its most elegant.

The royal-warrant holder has been a purveyor of the finer things in life to the British upper classes since 1707.

The shop, close to the Ritz Hotel, sells exclusive ranges of men's and women's accessories, luggage, toiletries, stationery, china, glass, silver and toys, but it is best known for its extraordinary selection of food, wine, tea and coffee.

Fortnum Mason hampers have been staples of British aristocratic Christmases for generations and are seen at all the most exclusive picnics, from Henley Royal Regatta to the opera at Glyndebourne. The shop also fed the empire, dispatching ripe Stiltons and English gentleman's relish to destinations from India to the heart of Africa.

A specialist department devoted to expeditions supplied a 1922 Everest expedition with "60 tins of quail in foie gras and four dozen bottles of champagne".

The store's rarefied atmosphere, impeccably dressed staff and exquisitely presented goods can make even Harrods seem common.

From rose-petal jelly to Sachertorte by master patissier Pierre Gagnaire, this is a shop to delight gourmets, whether you're seeking a traditional tuck box filled with Splendid Sweets (£40/€50) for a child at boarding school or need a Tumbling Roses and Violets wedding cake (from £1,450/€1,825).

But you don't need to break the bank. A jar of Sir Nigel's Vintage Marmalade No 1 costs a mere £3.50 (€4.40) and a Gamekeeper's Fruitcake a very reasonable £10.95 (€13.75). You'll never want to go to Tesco again.

Fortnum Mason 181 Piccadilly, London, 00-44-20-77348040, www.fortnumandmason.com